(ANS – Rio de Janeiro) – With just about a month to go to the 28th World Youth Day (WYD) and the World Meeting of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM), the Rector Major of the Salesians, Fr Pascual Chávez Villanueva, shares some thoughts with the young people of the SYM in Brazil. We report here an interview that was published on the website of the “Canção Nova” community, the 25th group of the Salesian Family.

What is it like for you to take part in a meeting like this in a Latin- American country, in the part of the world you come from?

I have had the opportunity of taking part in several WYDs, in different countries, and there has always been a day set aside for a meeting of the SYM.
It all depends on the number of participants and what kind of preparation there has been for the meeting. Undoubtedly, the best one I have been at was the one in Madrid two years ago, precisely because it was the best prepared. For many of the young people who took part in the WYD, the highlight was our meeting at Atocha because there they were really involved in the event, and because there was a typically Salesian atmosphere. I am quite sure that in the light of that experience, this meeting of the SYM at Rio de Janeiro will be an intensely spiritual experience characterized by Salesian Youth Spirituality.

What idea have you formed of the preparation for the meeting going on in the different countries?

The preparation going on in all the provinces is very good. In Europe, for example, most of the young people will not take part directly, especially on account of the travel costs. Nevertheless, the young people are preparing to celebrate WYD and the SYM Meeting even though they will be involved from afar in their homes countries. They can link up with us though Skype or through live television broadcasts, when the time difference allows. I am convinced that the biggest number of participants will come this time from the Latin-American countries since they are closer to Brazil. The reason is always the same: the high cost of travel, especially now when we are going through a period of economic crisis. The most important thing is for the Provinces to prepare for the SYM meeting in their own countries.

What are you expecting from the World SYM Meeting?

I am hoping for a renewed sense of belonging, with young people living in ever great harmony with our great inspiration, and the choices and way of life being proposed by Pope Francis. I am sure it will be an encouragement to us all in preparing for the Bicentenary of the Birth of Don Bosco. The 2015 World Meeting of the SYM will be held in the month of August at the Becchi and Valdocco. This year’s meeting in Brazil will be a great preparation.

What message would you like to give to a young person preparing for the event?

My message to the participants is to come to Rio de Janeiro driven by a desire to bear witness to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who alone can give meaning to human life and guarantee the source of happiness. They should be willing to share the joy and beauty of faith in Jesus Christ and to become apostles, especially to other young people.

Rio de Janeiro will be full of young Christians who want to show the world the joy of youth, proclaim their faith in the Lord Jesus and renew their commitment to be agents of transformation in this world so greatly in need of change, and to give dignity, freedom and quality of life to all, especially to the poor and needy.

Published 24/06/2013